Constantia Wine: A Legacy of Excellence in South African Winemaking

A Historic Wine Region

Nestled beneath Table Mountain National Park and commanding vistas of the Constantiaberg and Table Mountain ranges lies Constantia, the oldest wine-making region in the southern hemisphere․ Filled with heritage and landscapes of unsurpassed beauty, Constantia is the perfect place to base yourself when visiting Cape Town, the Mother City in South Africa․

Constantia's Unique Terroir

Constantia's location between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans means that the region comprises just ten wineries․ The proximity of the vineyards to two oceans makes this viticultural land the coolest in South Africa, and given its 350 year history of viticulture it can be considered the first cool climate region of the New World․ The valleys ocean-facing location, cooled in the summer by steady sea breezes, results in vibrant white wines reminiscent of Bordeaux, alongside structured and elegant red wines․ Constantia on the southern outskirts of Cape Town is the Capes oldest wine region and one of its coolest․ Its sweet white wines were once as famous in Europe as those of Hungarys Tokaj․ Located on a peninsula, surrounded by the coastline of the Cape of Good Hope, the majestic oceans that first brought the knowledge of winemaking to our shores, still contribute to the unique terroir of the Constantia region․ Constantia is acknowledged as the cradle of winemaking in South Africa, which makes Groot Constantia Estate the grand daddy․ The well-preserved property dates back to 1685 and is of significant cultural and historical importance․

Famous Wines and Wineries

Constantia is a historic wine-growing area in the southern suburbs of Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa․ In the 18th and 19th Centuries, the area was famed for its legendary dessert wine Vin de Constance․ When your signature wine is a personal favorite of Napoleon Bonaparte, your name tends to stick around․ Constantia was originally a sweet wine made from Muscat-Blanc whose appeal reached the French leader and became world famous by the end of the 18th century; its still produced today, as Vin de Constance, at the famed Klein Constantia winery․ Constantia Valley is the oldest wine producing region in the southern hemisphere with an uninterrupted history of winemaking since 1685․ The name Constantia is linked with the most famous wines ever produced in this country and it all began at our very own Groot Constantia․ Constantia, a South African dessert wine, is made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (Muscat de Frontignan) grapes grown in the district of Constantia, City of Cape Town․ In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it was widely exported to Europe․

Exploring the Constantia Wine Route

The Constantia Wine Route, steeped in history and is arguably one of the most beautiful and accessible wine regions in the world․ Within a short distance from Cape Town it invites you to breathtaking views of ocean, mountains and vineyards, great wine and delectable restaurants․ Discover the allure of the Constantia Wine Route, also known as South Africas oldest wine region, legendary winelands that have captivated countless wine enthusiasts and discerning travellers with a winemaking history dating back to 1685․ The Constantia Wine Tour is one full day, inclusive of wine-tastings, lunch and refreshments․ The tour covers a carefully selected mix of iconic, historic wine estates as well as newer, boutique wineries, including a four-wheel drive visit to the highest mountain vineyards․ The Constantia Valley wine route is regarded as one of the most spectacular wine experiences in the world courtesy of breathtaking landscapes, unrivalled heritage and 10 wine estates ranging from traditional homesteads to new stylish boutique wineries․

A Culinary Destination

The Constantia Wine Route is not just about the wine; it’s also a haven for foodies․ The valley is increasingly becoming a culinary hotpot in the city․ A mere 25 minute drive from Cape Town, Constantia is one of the lesser known wine regions in the Western Cape, yet once youve discovered some of these hidden boutique wine farms youll wonder how its been kept secret for so long! Explore the Constantia Wine Route⁚ where to go, what to do․ We round up the best wine farms and wine tasting experiences in Constantia․ Whether visiting for the day, or spending the night; your visit to the oldest uninterrupted wine growing region in the Southern-hemisphere will leave you coming back for more․ Their knowledge of the wine farms, the areas and overall Cape Town is excellent, you always learn something new․ On top of that, they are just lovely people to spend a day with․

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